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V ictorian A udit of S urgical M ortality is associated with improved clinical outcomes
Author(s) -
Beiles C. Barry,
Retegan Claudia,
Maddern Guy J.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/ans.12787
Subject(s) - medicine , audit , coroner , clinical audit , observational study , health care , family medicine , emergency medicine , injury prevention , poison control , management , economics , economic growth
Background Improved outcomes are desirable results of clinical audit. The aim of this study was to use data from the V ictorian A udit of S urgical M ortality ( VASM ) and the V ictorian A dmitted Episodes D ataset ( VAED ) to highlight specific areas of clinical improvement and reduction in mortality over the duration of the audit process. Methods This study used retrospective, observational data from VASM and VAED . VASM data were reported by participating public and private health services, the Coroner and self‐reporting surgeons across Victoria. Aggregated VAED data were supplied by the Victorian Department of Health. Assessment of outcomes was performed using chi‐squared trend analysis over successive annual audit periods. Because initial collection of data was incomplete in the recruitment phase, statistical analysis was confined to the last 3‐year period, 2010–2013. Results A 20% reduction in surgical mortality over the past 5 years has been identified from the VAED data. Progressive increase in both surgeon and hospital participation, significant reduction in both errors in management as perceived by assessors and increased direct consultant involvement in cases returned to theatre have been documented. Conclusions The benefits of VASM are reflected in the association with a reduction of mortality and adverse clinical outcomes, which have clinical and financial benefits. It is a purely educational exercise and continued participation in this audit will ensure the highest standards of surgical care in A ustralia. This also highlights the valuable collaboration between the V ictorian D epartment of H ealth and the RACS .